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If chemotherapy| is given, it’s normally applied directly to the skin cancer as a cream or lotion. This is called topical chemotherapy.
Usually a drug called 5-fluorouracil| (Efudix®), which is commonly known as 5FU, is used. You will be asked to put the cream on at home. Your doctor or specialist nurse will explain how to do this.
The chemotherapy cream is applied once or twice a day for a number of weeks. If possible, a waterproof dressing should be put over the cream once applied, although it can sometimes be difficult to put a dressing on some areas of the body.
The treatment should make the skin red and inflamed. Once the area becomes sore and weepy, the treatment will need to be stopped. Your doctor can prescribe a steroid cream to reduce the inflammation if it’s very sore. The skin will take a week or two to heal after treatment finishes.
Exposure to the sun can make the inflammation worse, so you should protect the area until it has healed. Usually there are no other side effects with this type of chemotherapy.
For answers, support or just a chat, call the Macmillan Support Line free (Monday to Friday, 9am-8pm)
If you have any questions about cancer, need support or just want someone to talk to, ask Macmillan.